Southside LB: 6-0, 210, jr. — You'd be hard-pressed to find a sophomore linebacker who had a better season than Avila. In his first varsity season, Avila piled up 119 tackles while quickly earning the trust of his teammates. This year, it's his team.

“We look for that production to increase,” Southside coach Paul Haberer said. “He should be our defensive leader.”

Luke Clements

Floresville OL: 6-4, 300, sr. — How has 5-foot-6 running back Hector Villegas rushed for nearly 3,000 yards over the past two season?

By running off of Clements' big left hip most of the time. The big right tackle is the unsung hero of a Tigers' rushing attack that produce 2,782 yards last season. And with his size, there aren't many in 29-4A who can overpower him.

Nick Martinez

Harlandale RB: 5-9, 185, sr. — The Indians didn't know how Martinez would handle starting duties last season since he had just 60 carries to his name at that point. Martinez quickly put any doubts to rest by proving himself to be a workhorse, tallying 264 carries.

He was at his best in the postseason, rushing for 223 yards and a score on 39 carries in Harlandale's 35-26 bidistrict victory against Victoria East — the school's first playoff win since 2009.

Zach Sanchez

Uvalde RB: 5-8, 180, jr. — The Coyotes typically operate without garnering much notice — a lot of that because they're located 80 miles from San Antonio.

But don't be surprised if you hear more from the small town this season. Sanchez returns after a standout sophomore showing (1,107 yards, 15 TDs) and he's got company. Fellow back Marco Blanco and quarterback Jerry Almaraz combined for 1,416 rushing yards. Combined, they form one of the most underrated running attacks in the area.

Zach Sinor

Medina Valley P: 5-11, 210, sr. — It's not often that a team's best player is the punter, but it may be the case with Medina Valley.

Sinor earned All-Area honors last year with a 42.2-yard average, a long of 65 and 10 punts inside the 20-yard line. That was enough to get him noticed by Oklahoma State, which quickly snapped up a commitment from the punter in June.

How good is he? Sinor is the only player in 29-4A currently committed to an FBS program.